Château Peyrabon 2010

From a property owned by Patrick Bernard of négociant Millésima, this shows the results of considerable investment during the recent years. The wood dominates at this early stage, but it also shows complex fruit to balance the spice and toast flavors.

This very reliable estate made their 2010 from a blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and the rest small quantities of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Some roasted herbs, damp earth, interwoven with red and black currants, cherries and spice box are all present in this classic Bordeaux, which exhibits medium body, good density and plenty of balance and elegance. Drink it over the next 7-8 years. A member of the Alliance des Cru Bourgeois du Medoc.

Rock solid, with a gutsy frame of roasted apple wood and a full-bodied core of plum, boysenberry and black currant fruit. Dense and chewy, displaying spice-studded grip on the finish that courses along vivaciously. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2020. 15,627 cases made, 45 cases imported.

Weighty, extracted yet nicely rounded, with alluring notes of grilled nuts, saffron and black pepper spice. Drinks well now with food.

Blackberry and blueberry character. Currants too. Full body, lots of velvety tannins and a long and intense finish. Solid here. Better in 2016.

Dark ruby with a purple core. The nose offers dark berries, cassis and some herbal notes. The palate is firmly built with high acidity and pronounced tannins, elegant dark fruit, some herbal notes on the finish, medium to long aftertaste.

Deep purple-garnet. Lots of flesh on the palate, dense body, great tannins, aromatic finish. Rarely this good.

Deep purple-garnet, dense at the core, with a violet sheen on the rim. Beautiful blackberry bouquet, lovely spice. Lots of flesh on the palate with a dense body, great tannins, aromatic finish. Seldom this good.

Herbal, broad, alcoholic bouquet, black berries, coal. Powerful, bourgeois palate with plenty of tannin, medium fruit, dark aromatics, dry finish. 17/20 2017 - 2028

Supple and fresh, red fruit, light yet present tannins.

Dark red color with good intensity. Moderately intense nose with very ripe fruit. This is one of the most complete palates I know for this cru. Rich, it evolves toward a finish with present tannins, wrapped, which age will soften. Very good.